MSU Creative Services

Art Director:

MSU Creative Services

About MSU Creative Services

MSU Creative Services is a full-service agency offering graphic design, print production, editing and many other creative services to the campus community.

As an in-house agency, the unit specializes in higher education at Montana State University, with clients in outreach, research and teaching. Our staff consists of a unique blend of talented people who understand the needs of the university and its various entities, and can take projects from conception to completion. We have been intimately involved in MSU's graphic identity and branding efforts, and our rates and offered services are very competitive.

Creative Services is a division of University Communications, which also includes University Marketing, University News, Web Communications and University Printing-all of whom are close partners with us.

Services we offer

Creative Services offers competitive pricing on services such as:

Editing

Proofreading

Strategic design

Graphic design

Strategizing

Concept development

Print preparation

Production coordination

Illustration

Photography

Web graphics

Copywriting

Video production

And for a variety of projects, including:

Brochures

Annual reports

Packaging

Catalogs

Business cards, letterhead and envelopes

Newsletters

Textbooks

Trade show displays

Scientific journals

Research posters

Bookmarks, stickers and other promotional items

DVDs and educational or promotional videos

Curriculum materials

Rates/Descriptions

Strategic Design $80/hour --This rate applies to new publications directed to the university's primary target audience (prospective students, alumni, faculty/staff). Examples include a publication re-design such as a new viewbook or magazine.

Copywriting $70/hour -- This rate applies to original content generated from existing materials

Print/Production Management $70/hour --Print/production fee is based on the complexity of the project such as complex, multifaceted projects involving numerous bids and multiple elements. No charge for simple jobs such as re-prints or jobs taking less than 30 minutes to source.

Light Editing -- included at no charge

We draw on the MSU library of photography as we are able, though we do charge $50/hour for custom photo work.

Typesetting for letterhead, envelopes and business cards are charged at a flat fee-$15 for business cards, and $15 for a letterhead/envelope suite. Custom business suite materials are charged at the $60/hour rate.

The in-house advantage Creative Services staff are trained as communications specialists. Many of our staff are graduates of Montana State University and have a stake in the entire university's success. We have strong relationships with vendors, including commercial printers around Montana and the U.S., and can often get prices for our clients that are much more competitive than an individual would receive.

Please contact us for a free consultation or project estimate. We can often help you find a cost-effective solution to your communications needs.

Our in-house advantage:

deadline conscious

conveniently located on campus

directly linked to University Printing's network of printers

access to MSU's library of photography, news stories and other university resources

ability to work within your budget

capable of meeting billing requirements that are typical of university departments

We are also intimately familiar with MSU's branding goals, objectives and tools, and we can help you-if you wish-coordinate your strategy and materials with other activities currently in place on campus.

You will find our rates are lower or competitive with most outside agencies and freelancers, and we do not charge for many of the standard services billed by agencies, including consultations and strategic planning and light editing. We can bill you directly through the Banner system.